Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever
Travel Health

Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever
Marburg hemorrhagic fever is a rare but highly infectious disease that is caused by the Marburg virus and is often fatal.

Cause Of Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever
Both humans and other primates can be infected by the virus, and much is still unknown about how the virus is transmitted to animals. The virus is easily spread through close contact with the infected blood, urine, faeces and saliva of infected animals and humans.

Symptoms of Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever
Symptoms in the early stages will appear after 5 to 10 days and often include:

Fever

Headache

Chills

Weight loss

Nausea

Chest pain

Muscle ache

Light headedness

After around 5 days of the initial symptoms a maculopapular rash will appear on the upper body followed by more serious complications which can include:

Hypotension

Jaundice

Seizures

Extensive hemorrhaging

Pancreatitis

Multi organ failure

Shock

Coma

Inflammation of spinal cord

Areas Affected With Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever
Central and East Africa
are particularly affected with the virus.

Preventing Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever
There is no specific vaccine against the virus.
Anyone confirmed with the virus is placed in isolation and suitable precautions taken to prevent further spread of the disease.

Diagnosing Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever
The enzyme-linked immunosorbent Assay test
(ELISA) is often used to detect if the virus is present.

Treatment for Marburg Hemorrhagic FeverThere is no specific treatment available for marburg hemorrhagic fever, so treatment is of a supportive nature.

The disease has an incredibly low survival rate often due to severe complications such as multiple organ failure, extensive hemorrhaging or secondary infection. Recovery can take three to five weeks after the initial onset and those patients who do survive often suffer from amnesia.

Most At Risk From Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever
Anyone coming into contact with infected bats or primates are at risk and those caring for infected people should be extremely careful not to become infected themselves by taking adequate safety precautions.